ST ALBANS LADIES suffered a disappointing blow on Sunday, December 2, as they went down to an unexpected 1-0 defeat at the hands of Poynton at Clarence Park.

However, it was Saints who started the match the brighter of the two, with Kelli Seagrave, playing as the spare man behind the front two of Shaw and Preest, causing the Poynton defence all sorts of different problems.

The visitors were looking dangerous on the break, but with Jane Ambler orchestrating play in the middle of the park Poynton took the lead on the quarter hour after Ashworth capitalised on some sloppy play from Preest, latching onto a loose ball before finishing well to leave Hunt helpless in the Saints goal.

Saints tried their best to quickly hit back, and should have levelled matters shortly before the break, but Fretwell missed the target from five yards out when, in truth, it looked easier to score.

The Tangerines piled on the pressure in the second half and looked to make use of their large squad, regularly rotating the front line to keep fresh legs on the pitch.

However, the hosts were continually frustrated, and, although Simpson, Dally and Shaw all hreatened, the Poynton keeper was in fine form to keep their efforts at bay.

Poynton held on for the victory as Saints go into the league's winter break in fourth position, seven points off new leaders Reading.

St Albans still have one more match still to play this year, their EHL third round tie against Dereham at Clarence Park on Sunday, December 9, pushback 11.30 am.